The fifth-generation Subaru Outback, launched in Finland in 2015, has now been redesigned inside and out.

The new Outback differs from its predecessor in the front end. The hexagonal radiator grille, headlights, front bumper and side mirrors are all new designs.

A front-facing camera has been mounted in the centre of the front grille below the Subaru logo, while the lower grille of the new front bumper is narrower than before.

A C-shape around the edges of the revised LED headlamps forms a high beam, low beam and high beam unit.

The high and low beam headlamps turn in response to movements of the steering wheel.

The front light package is completed by fog lights embedded in the chrome trim.

A camera is embedded in the co-driver’s side mirror, making it easy for the driver to monitor the surroundings, for example when reversing.

The warning light for vehicles in the adjacent lane has been moved from the top of the mirror to the inside of the mirror housing, making it easier for the driver to see. We noticed this clearly during the test drive.

High-quality appearance

We had the opportunity to take a short test drive at the same event as the Subaru Impreza. The test drive took place around Malmö, exclusively on hard-surfaced roads.

During the test drive the Outback made a very positive impression.

The car is very spacious and the driver was able to adjust the driving position very well. The dashboard is clear and the necessary switches are easily accessible. The dashboard is dominated by a large screen with, among other things, camera images and a navigation system.

The Outback is an unusual model in that it only comes with one engine.

The Outback’s European import range includes a multi-injection petrol four-cylinder 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine with a power output of 129 kW (175 hp)/5 800 rpm and 235 Nm/4 000 rpm of torque.

During the test drive, the engine’s power was just about adequate. The only transmission available is Subaru’s Lineartronic automatic.

Although the gearbox is a so-called CVT gearbox, meaning it’s continuously variable, there was no traditional rubber-band feel. Under hard acceleration, though, the revs almost reached their maximum before the box changed to a bigger one.

Compared to the previous version, Subaru says the Lineartronic automatic transmission’s gear ratios have been modified for better acceleration and lower fuel consumption. Instead of the former six-range gearbox, the transmission now has seven gear ratios.

According to Subaru, the noise and vibration generated by the engine’s moving parts during acceleration has been reduced by 18%. Engine friction has been reduced and engine components lightened. Among other things, the engine’s new connecting rods have been reduced by 108 grams and the new charger by 482 grams.

Thanks to these changes, the fuel economy of the 2.5-litre petrol boxer engine has been improved by 3.2%, according to Subaru.

Four-wheel drive is always standard on the Outback.

Compared to the Impreza, you’ll notice that the Outback costs just over €10,000 more. The car has a quality feel and is quiet.

The steering is good and responsive. The test drive was done on winter tyres without studs, and with good summer tyres the steering feel is probably firmer.

In the same dimensions

The Outback is five millimetres longer than its predecessor, but the width, height and wheelbase are unchanged. The Outback has a ground clearance of 200 mm, which it has had throughout its history.

The 8-inch display panel on the centre console has been redesigned and its connectivity with various smartphone apps has been improved.

The display controls the player, radio, phone, navigation, various apps and the car’s driving information.

Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone functions can be connected to the system via a usb port with a cable connection, and the Subaru Starlink system can be used to access apps downloaded to your smartphone.

The large screen also allows you to monitor key car functions and driving information, such as the Eyesight system and X-Mode off-road driving software.

Space in the cab and boot

The seat design provides a sporty and supportive seating position for driver and passengers. The seats have a higher backrest and longer seat section than before. For those travelling in the rear, usb ports have been added for charging and viewing smartphones and tablets.

The Outback has 559 litres of boot space. The space can be expanded by folding the rear seat backs forward in two sections of different sizes, increasing the space to 1,848 litres. There is 47 litres of additional storage space under the boot floor.

Eyesight safety system as standard

Standard on the Subaru Outback is the Eyesight system, which uses stereo camera technology to anticipate traffic situations, prevent collisions and rear-end collisions, and distinguish between pedestrians, cyclists and cars.

The system has also been developed to detect vehicles in blind spots and to prevent vehicles from drifting out of the lane.

The system’s stereo cameras are positioned inside the windscreen on either side of the rear-view mirror and can also distinguish between different colours. The cameras have a wide field of view, which Subaru claims has been increased by 40 percent compared to the first-generation Eyesight.

The Eyesight system assists the driver in observing the surroundings.

If the system detects a collision hazard, Subaru says it automatically slows the car’s speed to match the traffic situation and even stops the car at speeds up to 50 km/h if necessary. The system works in conjunction with cruise control.

The active cruise control keeps the desired distance to the vehicle in front and, if necessary, slows the car down – and accelerates the car back to the set cruising speed when traffic conditions allow. The function works up to a speed of 180 km/h.

Eyesight Lane Departure Warning uses a stereo camera to monitor lane markings on motorways, dual carriageways and other roads with lane markings and detects if a car starts to move out of the marked lane.

It prevents lane departure by assisting steering wheel operation at speeds between 60 and 200 km/h. At speeds below 55 km/h and above 205 km/h, the system deactivates itself.

The Outback’s Driver Assistance System uses warning lights in the side mirrors to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from behind and from blind spots.

The same sensors are also used in a system that warns the driver not to reverse in front of a vehicle approaching from the rear. The system monitors both sides of the car.

Driver assistance technology

Subaru says the Outback’s most significant innovations are built to be hidden from view. To achieve improved ride and handling comfort, the Outback’s body, steering, suspension, brakes and other related components have been redesigned, fine-tuned or strengthened, according to an Outback press release.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, which prevents loss of handling, is standard on the Outback, as is the Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) system.

When lateral g-forces enter the scene in a corner, Subaru says the ATV system helps maintain the desired line of travel by directing slightly more power to specific wheels. This makes the Outback respond to steering movements more quickly and accurately.

The X-Mode system controls the transmission and, on steep hills, the throttle, brake pedals and gearbox, assisting the driver when needed.

The system also includes a downhill braking system.

Starting prices for Subaru Outback models:

Subaru Outback 2.5i Active EUR 41 392
Subaru Outback 2.5i Ridge €43,666
Subaru Outback 2.5i Summit 49 340 euros

Subaru Outback 2.5i EyeSight

Engine: petrol boxer engine, 4-cylinder, DOCH, 16-valve
Environmental rating: Euro6b
Cylinder capacity (cm3): 2498
Fuel system: Multi-jet fuel injection
Power kW (hp) r/min: 129 (175)/5800
Torque Nm/r/min: 235/4000
Compression ratio: 10.3:1
Top speed km/h: 198
0-100 km/h (s): 10.2
Fuel consumption, combined l/100 km: 7.0
CO2 emissions, combined (g/km): 161
Long/wide/cork (mm): 4820/1840/1605
Wheelbase (mm): 2745
Track width e/t (mm): 1575/1590
Ground clearance (mm): 200
Luggage compartment (l): 559 – 1 848
Tractive weight with brakes (kg): 2000
Steering: electric power steering
Transmission: Lineartronic automatic
Transmission:Symmetrical all-wheel drive, 60/40 front/rear split
Suspension front: MacPherson struts, L-shaped lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: multi-link suspension, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Brakes e/t: Cooled disc brakes
Tyres: 225/60 R17 and 225/60 R18 (Summit)
Tare weights (kg): Active 1 657, Ridge 1 661, Summit 1 696

Outback generations

1. generation 1996-1998
2. generation 1999-2003
3. generation 2004-2008
4. generation 2009-2014
5. generation 2015-